PERFORMING ARTS

Unlock the power of creativity.

Self-expression and self-discovery flourish through the performing arts. Amplify helps young people make crucial connections through a variety of programs and field trip opportunities.

Programs We Offer | Performing Arts

ARTISTS-IN-THE-SCHOOLS

This annual partnership with South Side Chicago high schools is designed to enhance existing theater arts programs or support the development of programs where none exist through in-class artist residencies by professional artists from Court Theatre. 

Distinct from many other arts outreach programs offered across the city, Court’s Artists-in-the-Schools residencies are designed in partnership with Chicago Public Schools teachers to facilitate the acquisition of both Theater Arts and Social Emotional Learning skills. 

This program offers students and teachers:

  • Free access to Court Theatre’s productions
  • In-class instruction with teaching artists bringing original curriculum designed specifically for the school  
  • Interaction with artist educators working in professional theater across Chicago
  • Virtual programs and learning guides

Court’s residencies invite deep and continued partnership with schools, offering up to 24 weeks of engagement with both fall and spring learning tracks. 

  • The fall learning track illuminates a range of writers of color and invites students to interrogate those stories for meaning and resonance in their own lives through text exploration and interpretation.
  • The spring learning track focuses on the development of student-driven narrative work that is devised by students in the form of short scenes, monologues, and prose, as well as modes of digital storytelling. 

High school • In-school program • Court Theatre

For more information, please contact
Kamilah Rashied
Director of Education
Court Theatre
krashied@uchicago.edu
773.753.4472

WORD IS RHYTHM POETRY FESTIVAL

Presented each year during National Poetry Month, this festival creates a space where students and teachers gather to raise poetic verse in a noncompetitive setting. The festival celebrates a diverse range of youth voices in the city where the poetry slam was born. Schools are invited to submit poetry or to watch the performances. A major poet is featured each day of the festival. This is a wonderful opportunity for youth of all ages to share their voices and to listen to exceptional authors.

For more information, please contact
Emily Hooper Lansana 
Director of Community Arts
Logan Center for the Arts
elansana@uchicago.edu
773.834.3938

K–12 • Logan Center for the Arts • Poetry

CRITICS PROGRAM

The Critics Program provides a platform for students to critically examine performances presented as part of the school matinee season, and to craft valuable and engaging written responses. The program pairs artists with teachers and their sixth-to-eighth-grade classes. Participants create blog posts that reflect the unique perspective of each student. This program is designed to support students in learning more about the dispositions, knowledge, and skills involved in critiquing artistic performance.

For more information, please visit
Logan Center Critics

or contact
Emily Hooper Lansana
Director of Community Arts
Logan Center for Arts
elansana@uchicago.edu
773.834.3938

K–12 • Logan Center for the Arts • Art critique

BACKSTAGE PRODUCTION PROGRAM

Backstage Production Program is designed to give South Side Chicago youth an introduction to the fundamentals of theater production, while giving them hands-on experience in audio and lighting design, sound engineering, and stage management. 

For more information, please contact
Miguel Limon
Education Manager
Arts + Public Life
mlimon@uchicago.edu
773.834.3714

Teens • Arts + Public Life

COMMUNITY ACTORS PROGRAM

This introductory performance program utilizes Theater of the Oppressed, participatory theater, and performance as tools for community building and social change. Apply

For more information, please contact
Miguel Limon
Education Manager
Arts + Public Life
mlimon@uchicago.edu 
773.834.3714

Teens • Arts + Public Life

Field Trips & Visits | Performing Arts

COURT THEATRE STUDENT MATINEES

Student matinees bring classic theater to Chicago-area high school students through discounted weekday performances of Court’s main-stage productions. Each performance is enhanced by pre-performance study guides and post-show discussions with members of the cast and artistic staff.

To arrange a school visit and to learn more about COVID-19 protocols and restrictions, or to learn more about access to virtual streaming options, please contact

Matthew Sitz
Director of Audience Services
Court Theatre
msitz@uchicago.edu
773.702.6759

LOGAN CENTER SCHOOL MATINEES

The Logan Center School Matinees series offers diverse performances for K–12 youth. This exciting season features both local and world-renowned performing artists representing the disciplines of dance, music, storytelling, and poetry.

  • Two performances a month, October–June
  • All performances are available virtually once premiered
  • Free performances and transportation provided

In autumn 2022, we hope to return to in-person performances, where we will celebrate our 10th-anniversary season with a range of incredible artists from around the world. 

Find more information about Logan Center School Matinees
https://www.logancenter.digital/202122-school-matinees 

K–12 • Logan Center for the Arts • Dance, music, storytelling, and poetry • In collaboration with UChicago Presents, Department of Music, Office of Civic Engagement, and many community partners